Antibodies against disease causing agents of canines and felines and uses thereof

Abstract

Described herein are methods and antibodies useful for reducing, eliminating, or preventing infection with a viral population in an animal. Also described herein are antigens useful for targeting by heavy chain antibodies and VHH fragments for reducing a viral population in an animal.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A polypeptide comprising at least one variable region fragment of a heavy chain antibody (V H H), wherein the at least one V H H specifically binds a parvovirus, and wherein the polypeptide:
 a) prevents red blood cell hemagglutination by canine parvovirus type 2C capsid at a concentration lower than 100 nM, and the at least one V H H comprises an amino acid sequence at least 95% identical to an amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID Nos: 1, 4, 6, 8, 10, 13 or 17; 
 b) prevents red blood cell hemagglutination by canine parvovirus type 2C capsid at a concentration lower than 1 μM, and the at least one V H H comprises an amino acid sequence at least 95% identical to an amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID Nos 1, 4, 6, 7, 8, 10, 13, 17 or 77; or 
 c) reduces invasion of Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK} cells by canine parvovirus by >50% at 5 μM, and the at least one V H H comprises an amino acid sequence at least 95% identical to an amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID Nos: 1, 4, 10, 15 or 17. 
 
     
     
       2. The polypeptide of  claim 1 , wherein the polypeptide comprises a plurality of the V H H. 
     
     
       3. The polypeptide of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one V H H specifically binds a canine parvovirus virulence factor. 
     
     
       4. The polypeptide of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one V H H specifically binds an antigen or polypeptide at least 80% identical to SEQ ID NOs: 73, 74, 75, 76 or 89. 
     
     
       5. The polypeptide of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one V H H binds to a swine parvovirus. 
     
     
       6. The polypeptide of  claim 1 , wherein the polypeptide is formulated for introduction to the alimentary canal orally or rectally.